Dear Mr. Trump...

As a veteran chaplain of the United States Army for 10 years, I was offended by your flippant remarks concerning some of our brave citizens who have been involved with the great military services of our country. “Offended” is not strong enough; I was really appalled. Especially by the way you chose to attack the Muslim family who had obviously experienced more pain and suffering than you could even possibly ever conceive.

Secondly, how you had the audacity to accept a Purple Heart from a veteran wounded while serving this great country. It’s more than ludicrous who you said, “I have always wanted one of these.” Oh, really? It occurs to me that if you had really wanted a Purple Heart you would not have sought and obtained five – count them, five – deferments to keep you here, safely at home, thousands of miles away from any possible harm.

As a matter of fact, Mr. Trump, a life sacrificed in a foreign war defending this nation is not at all comparable to any sacrificing that might have been required of you to build buildings in New York City or anywhere else.

Moreover, getting a Purple Heart requires some part of your physical body to be damaged. I have been watching you now for over a year and unless the physical damage is some place I cannot see, then you don’t deserve that Purple Heart. What you need to do is make amends not only to the individual who gave it to you but to every other recipient of that great medal. Even just thinking of this at this late stage in my life makes tears stream from my eyes.

Mr. Trump, is it even possible for you not to be so arrogant out of your ignorance? You owe every veteran more than an apology – you owe them your freedom, Without them you couldn’t have become rich building buildings, golf courses and gambling casinos. So Mr. Trump, in the words of one of our great patriots, “Have you no decency?”

Thanks for all our veterans for your sacrifices.

Rev. Robert Poindexter

Former United States Army Chaplain

Moses Lake